33. The Fae King
Something felt different, lighter.
When I returned to my room, I opened my tunic and stared down at my chest. The little black dots that had circled my heart for so long had vanished, leaving creamy, smooth skin behind.
Over the last few weeks, I had noticed them slowly fading away.
Georgia hadn’t healed my soul rot, but she had shown me that I could.
When I was first cursed, I wasn’t that worried. I thought surely it would be easily lifted. Oh, how wrong I had been! Over the course of a decade, I had consulted ancient texts, witches, and healers. No one had been able to help me.
Then I believed my life was over. All I could see were the things out of my reach. I could never travel again. I would never have the strength to protect anyone. I couldn’t be a good king. I could never have love, intimacy, or marriage. I couldn’t even have true friendship.
Then she forced me to realize I was stronger than I believed. Over the course of our brief acquaintanceship, I had traveled to the human realm, called storms and lightning, saved a life, and fallen in love. None of that was supposed to be possible. One by one, Georgia had helped me tear down my walls.
Then, miracles of all miracles, she had accepted me for who I was–slimy, green skin and all. She showed me I didn’t need to be perfect to be enough. She showed me I was worthy of love.
Though things were still shaky between us, I could see a future I had never believed possible–one with love and happiness.
For the first time in a long time, I was desperate to live.